COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside members of the Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group, announced a series of recommendations aimed at transforming the state’s juvenile justice system. The announcement, made this morning, highlighted the group’s comprehensive review and proposed changes to improve outcomes for incarcerated youth.
“These recommendations all have merit and deserve consideration,” said Governor DeWine. “All kids deserve the opportunity to live up to their full, God-given potential, including youth who are incarcerated in state or local juvenile corrections facilities. We must send these youth home with the very best chance to succeed.”
The Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group, established by Governor DeWine in November, conducted a holistic review of the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) and its partnerships with local community corrections facilities (CCFs) and county juvenile detention facilities. Led by Tom Stickrath, chair of the National Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, the group issued a report with 26 recommendations for improvement.
Key recommendations include a “system transformation” of DYS correctional institutions, replacing three large facilities with smaller, safer units. The current capital budget supports the closure of the 180-bed Cuyahoga Hills facility, to be replaced by four 36-bed buildings. Similar changes are planned for other campuses, pending additional funding.
The report also suggests establishing new CCFs in Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton counties, which commit the highest number of youths to DYS. Commitment to a CCF is preferred over state custody due to better family connections and outcomes upon release. The current budget supports one new CCF, with plans for more pending legislative approval.
Additionally, the state will hire consultants to review operations in DYS facilities and local detention centers, focusing on issues such as use of force, youth discipline, and behavioral health services. A coordinated master plan will be developed to enhance efficiency and outcomes for youth, led by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
Other recommendations include changes to Ohio law to ensure accountability for youth who assault correctional staff, increase the minimum age of youth commitments, and give judges more discretion in sentencing. Governor DeWine directed DYS to implement several other recommendations, such as preventing gang activity, expanding reentry support, and creating a parent advisory board.
“My primary role is to ensure my staff and youth work and live in an environment that supports opportunities for habilitation and growth,” said DYS Director Amy Ast. “The recommendations will serve as a bridge to chart our course for continuous improvement across the juvenile justice system. Ultimately, we will realize improved outcomes.”
